How to Be Postal Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Postal technicians play a vital role in the postal service industry. Their primary responsibility is to sort, process, and deliver mail and packages efficiently. As a result, postal technicians must have a thorough understanding of postal rules and regulations, as well as familiarity with USPS software and equipment.

Furthermore, they must have excellent organizational skills and be able to work under pressure and tight deadlines. they must be able to communicate effectively with customers, package receivers, and other postal employees. The job of a postal technician is an important one, as it ensures that mail is delivered promptly and correctly.

the work of postal technicians helps ensure that the mail system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Most postal service jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Complete post office employment forms. Contact the local post office to obtain the necessary forms to apply for a position as a postal technician.
3. Take the Postal Service Examination 473. The 473 is a general aptitude test administered by the US Postal Service to evaluate the applicant's skills and abilities necessary to perform the job.
4. Pass the Postal Service Examination 473. To qualify for a position as a postal technician, applicants must score at least 70% on the exam.
5. Complete on-the-job training. Upon completion of the exam, successful applicants must complete on-the-job training to learn the tasks and processes necessary for their job.
6. Pass a background check and drug screening test. All new postal technicians must pass a background check and drug screening test prior to starting the job.

Postal technicians are essential to the efficient functioning of the postal system. Being ideal and competent requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Technical skills include a thorough knowledge of postal regulations, procedures, and equipment; an ability to troubleshoot and solve problems quickly and efficiently; and an understanding of computers and associated software.

Interpersonal skills include excellent customer service, the ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and customers, and an understanding of the importance of confidentiality. When postal technicians possess these skills, they are better able to provide reliable, effective service and help ensure that the postal service continues to run smoothly.

You may want to check Postal Station Manager, Postal Mail Processor, and Postal Counter Clerk Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

1. Sort and route incoming mail.
2. Deliver mail to designated locations.
3. Process outgoing mail and packages.
4. Provide customer service to customers inquiring about mailing rates, delivery times, and other related services.
5. Operate automated sorting and processing equipment.
6. Maintain records of postage costs and the number of pieces of mail processed.
7. Load and unload postal trucks.
8. Assist with the preparation of mail for bulk mailing operations.
9. Assist in the training of new employees.
10. Monitor mailroom supplies and place orders when necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of postal regulations and procedures.
2. Ability to sort, weigh, and process mail.
3. Ability to operate mail sorting equipment and machines.
4. Knowledge of domestic and international postal rates.
5. Ability to maintain accurate records.
6. Ability to use a computer and other office equipment.
7. Excellent customer service and communication skills.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
10. Problem-solving skills.

Being a Postal Technician requires a variety of skills, but the most important one is organization. Without the ability to stay organized, Postal Technicians would struggle to efficiently deliver and process mail. This is because the job requires them to sort mail, process payments, and keep records of all the mail that is sent and received.

If a Postal Technician is not able to effectively organize and manage these tasks, it can have a negative chain reaction. For example, if a Postal Technician fails to properly sort the mail in order to get it to its destination on time, it can cause delays in the delivery process which can lead to disappointed customers and financial losses for the company. if they are unable to keep accurate records it can cause serious problems with tracking the whereabouts of parcels, leading to further delays and customer dissatisfaction.

Organization is therefore an essential skill for a Postal Technician to ensure that mail is delivered and processed in a timely and efficient manner.

Postal Delivery Supervisor, Postal Manager, and Postal Delivery Driver are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with postal machines and other equipment?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with the postal equipment.
• How have you handled situations where customer expectations were not met?
• What methods do you use to ensure accuracy in sorting mail?
• How do you stay organized when dealing with large volumes of mail?
• What strategies do you use to stay motivated while completing monotonous tasks?
• How do you handle difficult customers or challenging situations?
• Do you have any experience with preparing international mail?
• How do you ensure compliance with postal regulations and standards?
• Describe your experience with using computer systems to track packages and process payments.

Common Tools in Industry

1. Postage Meter. This tool is used to measure and post mail. (eg: Pitney Bowes Postage Meter)
2. Mail Sorter. This tool is used to separate mail into different categories. (eg: Neopost Mail Sorter)
3. Folding Machine. This tool is used to fold papers for mailing. (eg: Formax FD 8400 Folder/Inserter)
4. Postage Scale. This tool is used to accurately weigh mail for postage calculation. (eg: Dymo 30-pound Digital Postal Scale)
5. Label Maker. This tool is used to create labels for mail pieces. (eg: Brother P-touch Label Maker)
6. Barcode Scanner. This tool is used to scan barcodes on mail pieces. (eg: Honeywell Voyager Barcode Scanner)
7. Shredder. This tool is used to destroy confidential documents. (eg: Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Shredder)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
2. National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS)
3. National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU)
4. National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA)
5. National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS)
6. National Association of Postal Inspectors (NAPI)
7. National Association of Post Office Clerks (NAPOC)
8. National League of Postmasters (NLPM)
9. National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
10. United Postal Service Clerks (UPSC)

We also have Postal Operations Manager, Postal Sorter, and Postal Automation Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Mail Processing. The sorting, processing, and delivery of mail.
2. Postal Rates. The fees charged for postal services.
3. Delivery Confirmation. A service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide customers with proof of delivery.
4. ZIP Code. A system used by the USPS to identify a particular geographic area within the United States.
5. Package Tracking. The process of tracking packages sent through the mail.
6. Mail Fraud. The illegal use of the mail system to commit fraud or other crimes.
7. Bulk Mail. Large quantities of printed material sent through the mail at discounted rates.
8. Post Office Boxes (PO Boxes). A service provided by the USPS for customers to receive mail without having a physical address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median salary for a Postal Technician?

The median salary for a Postal Technician is $37,952 per year.

What duties does a Postal Technician perform?

A Postal Technician typically performs duties such as sorting mail, preparing parcels for shipping, operating mail processing machinery, and delivering mail to customers.

What qualifications are required to become a Postal Technician?

To become a Postal Technician, applicants must generally have a high school diploma and at least two years of work experience in the postal service.

Does a Postal Technician need to be physically fit?

Yes, a Postal Technician must be physically fit in order to perform the duties of the job, which may involve lifting heavy parcels and packages.

How many hours does a Postal Technician typically work?

A Postal Technician typically works a 40-hour workweek, which may include overtime during peak periods.

What are jobs related with Postal Technician?

• Postal Counter Clerk
• Postal Delivery Technician
• Postal Receptionist
• Postal Supervisor
• Postal Processing Manager
• Postal Mail Carrier
• Postal Service Examination Clerk

Web Resources

• 5024 Postal Technician I - Job Descriptions - Missouri State www.missouristate.edu
• 5025 Postal Technician II - Job Descriptions - Missouri State www.missouristate.edu
• Postal Tech - Job Descriptions - Human Resources :: The … jobdescriptions.unm.edu